Gen Manoj Pande during his Army Day speech in Bengaluru, on January 15, 2023.
Bengaluru: On 75th Indian Army Day parade, which was held at the Govindaswamy Ground in Bengaluru, its chief General Manoj Pande said the force is maintaining a strong defence posture along the line of actual control with China to tackle any contingency in the disputed border areas. This was the first time the main Army Day parade was held outside New Delhi.
Talking about the stand-off between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army at several points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, Gen Pande said, “In the northern border areas, the situation has been normal and through established protocols and existing mechanisms, necessary steps have been taken to maintain peace. Maintaining a strong defence posture at LAC, we are ready to tackle any contingency.”
Stating that the soldiers are deployed along the border despite difficult terrain and hostile weather conditions, the Army chief said the troops have been provided with all kinds of arms, equipment, and facilities in adequate quantity. “With combined efforts of local administration, other agencies and military there have been improvements in infrastructure development,” he said.
It may be noted that the Army chief, during his annual news conference, on Thursday, had said the situation along the LAC was stable but unpredictable.
Read also: Army chief says situation along LAC ‘stable but unpredictable’
He also said the Army took several steps to improve its capability development, force restructuring, and training in tune with the evolving situation along the LAC. He also assured the nation that the Army has further strengthened its preparations for future wars.
On the ceasefire along the line of actual control with Pakistan, Gen Pande said the armies of India and Pakistan had in February 2022 announced reiteration of ceasefire understanding along the LoC in western borders. He said the ceasefire violations have been brought down. However, he expressed concerns over the terror infrastructure that remains across the other side of the border.
He assured the nation that the Army is keeping a constant vigil and thwarting attempts of terrorists to cross towards our side of the border. He said, “Our counter-infiltration grid is continuously foiling the infiltration from there.
Talking about recent attempts from Pakistan to drop drugs and weapons by drones in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, the Army chief said, “Attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs through drones in the international boundary sector in Jammu and Punjab continue. Counter-drone jammers and other equipment have been brought into use against such activities.”
On the militancy situation in Jammu & Kashmir, Gen Pande said, “Improvements have been seen in the areas inside J&K. The local population has rejected violence, and welcoming positive challenges, enthusiastically participated in all government initiatives.”
Gen Pande further stated that the Indian Army would be moving towards a technology-driven force from being a manpower-intensive one so that human resources can be better utilized.
